I can't stop making this Anti-inflammatory Harissa Butter Beans Recipe
I can't stop making this ANTI-INFLAMMATORY Harissa Butter Beans Recipe is a medium Mediterranean recipe that serves 4. 180 calories per serving. Recipe by Shakayla Felice on YouTube.
Prep: 10 min | Cook: 30 min | Total: 55 min
Cost: $35.00 total, $8.75 per serving
Ingredients
- 2 cans Butter Beans (Low‑sodium, 15 oz each, drained and rinsed)
- 2 tablespoons Harissa Sauce (Mild heat; adjust to taste)
- 0.25 cup Sun‑Dried Tomatoes (Packed in oil, drained and roughly chopped)
- 4 cups Dino Kale (Shredded; can substitute curly kale or spinach)
- 2 pieces Shallots (Minced; can use red onion as substitute)
- 3 cloves Garlic (Minced; can use pre‑minced garlic)
- 1 cup Vegetable Broth (Low‑sodium)
- 1 cup Unsweetened Soy Milk (Provides protein and creaminess; can use unsweetened almond, coconut or cashew milk)
- 2 tablespoons Nutritional Yeast (Gives a nutty, cheesy flavor; high in B12)
- 2 tablespoons Plant‑Based Parmesan (Optional, for extra cheesy note)
- 0.5 teaspoon Garlic Powder
- 0.25 teaspoon Red Pepper Flakes (For a subtle kick)
- 1 tablespoon Olive Oil (For sautéing)
- to taste Salt
- to taste Black Pepper
- 1 tablespoon Coconut Milk (optional topping) (Drizzled on top before serving)
- 4 slices Sourdough Bread (Toasted; optional serving accompaniment)
Instructions
Prep All Ingredients
Mince the garlic cloves, roughly chop the shallots, shred the kale, and roughly chop the sun‑dried tomatoes. Drain and rinse the butter beans.
Time: PT10M
Sauté Shallots
Heat 1 tbsp olive oil in a stainless steel skillet over medium heat. Add the minced shallots and cook, stirring occasionally, until translucent, about 5 minutes.
Time: PT5M
Temperature: Medium heat
Add Garlic
Add the minced garlic to the skillet and sauté for 1–2 minutes, stirring constantly to avoid burning.
Time: PT2M
Temperature: Medium heat
Incorporate Sun‑Dried Tomatoes
Stir in the chopped sun‑dried tomatoes and cook for about 1 minute to release their flavor.
Time: PT1M
Temperature: Medium heat
Add Butter Beans
Add the drained butter beans to the skillet, stirring to coat them with the aromatics. Cook for 2 minutes.
Time: PT2M
Temperature: Medium heat
Stir in Harissa
Add 2 tbsp mild Harissa sauce, mixing well so the beans are evenly colored. Cook for 1 minute.
Time: PT1M
Temperature: Medium heat
Add Liquid Base
Pour in 1 cup unsweetened soy milk and 1 cup vegetable broth. Increase heat to bring the mixture to a gentle simmer.
Time: PT5M
Temperature: Medium‑high heat to simmer
Season the Stew
Season with salt, black pepper, 2 tbsp nutritional yeast, 1/2 tsp garlic powder, 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes, and optional plant‑based parmesan. Stir and let cook for 2 minutes.
Time: PT2M
Temperature: Medium heat
Add Kale and Finish
Fold in the shredded kale (or spinach) and cook until wilted, about 5 minutes. If the stew looks too thick, add a splash more broth or soy milk.
Time: PT5M
Temperature: Medium heat
Plate and Garnish
Remove from heat. Drizzle a teaspoon of coconut milk and a little extra Harissa on top if desired. Serve with toasted sourdough bread.
Time: PT2M
Nutrition Facts
- Calories
- 180
- Protein
- 12 g
- Carbohydrates
- 18 g
- Fat
- 6 g
- Fiber
- 5.5 g
Dietary info: Vegan, Dairy‑free, High‑protein, Anti‑inflammatory, Gluten‑free option available
Allergens: Soy, Gluten (if served with sourdough bread)
Ingredient Substitutions
- Instead of Butter Beans: Chickpeas
- Instead of Harissa Sauce: Spicy tomato paste, Sambal Oelek
- Instead of Sun‑Dried Tomatoes: Sun‑dried tomato powder, Roasted red peppers
- Instead of Dino Kale: Curly kale, Spinach
- Instead of Shallots: Red onion
- Instead of Garlic: Garlic powder (increase amount)
- Instead of Vegetable Broth: Water with a pinch of salt
- Instead of Unsweetened Soy Milk: Unsweetened almond milk, Unsweetened coconut milk
- Instead of Nutritional Yeast: Plant‑based parmesan
- Instead of Plant‑Based Parmesan: Nutritional yeast
- Instead of Garlic Powder: Additional fresh garlic
- Instead of Red Pepper Flakes: Cayenne pepper (use less)
- Instead of Olive Oil: Avocado oil
- Instead of Salt: Sea salt
- Instead of Black Pepper: White pepper
- Instead of Coconut Milk (optional topping): Extra soy milk
- Instead of Sourdough Bread: Whole‑grain bread
Equipment Needed
- Stainless Steel Skillet
- Cutting Board
- Chef's Knife
- Measuring Cups
- Measuring Spoons
- Colander
- Wooden Spoon
- Ladle (optional)
- Can Opener
Critical Steps — Do Not Skip
- Do not let the garlic burn during step 3.
- Simmer the liquid base gently to avoid curdling the soy milk.
- Add kale at the end to keep its bright color and texture.
Chef Tips from the Video
- Use low‑sodium canned beans to control the overall salt level.
- Unsweetened soy milk adds protein and creaminess without extra sugar.
- A quick drizzle of coconut milk at the end adds a subtle tropical note and visual appeal.
- Toast the sourdough slices in the same skillet after the stew is done for added flavor.
Troubleshooting
The stew is too thick.
Add additional vegetable broth or unsweetened soy milk a tablespoon at a time while stirring until the desired consistency is reached.
The stew is too thin.
Continue to simmer uncovered for a few more minutes to reduce the liquid, or stir in a teaspoon of cornstarch slurry.
The flavor is bland.
Adjust seasoning with more salt, a pinch more Harissa, or extra nutritional yeast for umami.
Garlic tastes burnt.
Reduce heat immediately and add a splash of broth to deglaze; next time, add garlic after shallots are softened and watch closely.
Storage
Refrigerator: Store in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
Freezer: Freeze in a freezer‑safe container for up to 2 months; thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
Room temperature: Do not leave at room temperature for more than 2 hours.
Make-Ahead Tips
- Prepare the bean mixture up to step 8; store refrigerated and reheat, adding fresh kale just before serving.
- The stew thickens when cooled; add a splash of broth or soy milk when reheating to restore desired consistency.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the cultural significance and history of Harissa butter beans in Mediterranean cuisine?
Harissa originates from North‑African countries like Tunisia and Algeria, where it is used to flavor stews, couscous, and beans. Combining Harissa with butter beans creates a hearty, protein‑rich dish that reflects the Mediterranean tradition of using legumes as a staple, while the spice blend adds warmth and anti‑inflammatory benefits.
What are traditional regional variations of Harissa‑flavored bean dishes in Mediterranean cuisine?
In Tunisia, beans are often cooked with preserved lemons and olives; in Morocco, a similar stew might include chickpeas, carrots, and cumin. The version on Shakayla Felice’s channel uses kale and soy milk for a modern, vegan twist while keeping the core Harissa flavor.
How is Harissa butter beans traditionally served in North‑African households?
Traditionally, the bean stew is served hot alongside crusty bread such as khobz or pita, and sometimes topped with a drizzle of olive oil or a squeeze of lemon. Shakayla Felice suggests serving it with toasted sourdough, which mirrors the classic bread accompaniment.
What occasions or celebrations feature Harissa butter beans in Mediterranean culture?
Bean stews like Harissa butter beans are common at family gatherings, Ramadan iftar meals, and casual weekend lunches because they are filling, nutritious, and easy to scale for many guests.
What authentic ingredients are essential for a traditional Harissa butter bean stew, and what are acceptable substitutes?
Key ingredients include butter beans (or chickpeas), Harissa paste, garlic, shallots, and olive oil. Acceptable substitutes are chickpeas for beans, mild Harissa for a less spicy version, and plant‑based milk for creaminess. Nutritional yeast can replace Parmesan‑style flavor for a vegan profile.
What are the most common mistakes to avoid when making Harissa butter beans at home?
Common errors include burning the garlic, adding the soy milk before the mixture reaches a gentle simmer (which can cause curdling), and over‑cooking the kale so it turns mushy. Follow the step‑by‑step timing and add the kale at the end to keep its texture.
Why does this recipe add soy milk after the Harissa and beans, instead of mixing everything together at the start?
Adding soy milk after the Harissa allows the flavors to meld without the milk curdling from the acidity and heat of the Harissa. It also ensures the beans absorb the spice before the creamy component is introduced, resulting in a smoother texture.
Can I make Harissa butter beans ahead of time and how should I store them?
Yes, you can prepare the stew up to step 8, let it cool, and refrigerate in an airtight container for up to 4 days. Reheat gently on the stove, adding a splash of broth or soy milk, and stir in fresh kale just before serving.
What does the YouTube channel Shakayla Felice specialize in?
The YouTube channel Shakayla Felice focuses on wholesome, plant‑based meals that are high in protein and anti‑inflammatory, often featuring quick, budget‑friendly recipes for busy home cooks.
How does the YouTube channel Shakayla Felice's approach to Mediterranean cooking differ from other Mediterranean cooking channels?
Shakayla Felice emphasizes vegan and allergy‑friendly adaptations, using ingredients like soy milk, nutritional yeast, and low‑sodium canned beans, whereas many traditional Mediterranean channels rely on dairy and meat‑based versions of similar dishes.
Last updated: August 29, 2026








